6 year old with forehead temp of 39.4, should I worry?

[BarbaraVineFan]

My DD is almost never ill but I was called to pick her up from school at lunchtime today . Her temp was 38.1 then and now it’s 39.4 , she has been having calpol every 4 hours (had the second dose at 4pm). Should I worry or do I just need to wait it out?

She is also achy, drowsy and keeps sneezing.

There's sensible advice here, hope your little one gets well soon

https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/%21trash/fever-children-over-5-years-19

Thanks but that link doesn’t seem to be working

Not a medical expert, but I would give her ibuprofen and see if the combination brings it down.

Be careful not to give Calpol more than 4 times a day. If that means you need to space it out a bit more you can use ibuprofen up to 3x per day (provided there's no contraindications). If the temperature still doesn't come down I would ring 111 for advice. And as always, keep an eye out for a rash that might indicate sepsis/meningitis (highly unlikely but I always feel I should mention it), You didn't mention sore throat or a cough, so sounds more like a viral infection than strep or chest infection at this stage. But any doubt at all, ring 111 and they can advise.

Thank you, I’ll try that. Can you give them at the same time or do I have to wait 2 hours?

Call 111 - they're so helpful

If you are worried you can call 111 or doctors surgery.
only from my experience where I couldn’t get the temperature down for a much longer time, we had to go to A&E when it reached 40 degrees.
Do get advice from medical professionals. Check for rashes and other symptoms. You may be able to do Ibruprofen at the same time to help the temperature. Hope your DD recovers quickly. (I have the same going on with mine today, lots going around).

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-children/taking-ibuprofen-for-children-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/

Thank you. Sorry, I’m asking on here because I am googling and finding conflicting information

OP, you can give Calpol and Ibuprofen together, or, alternatively them. If you gave Calpol at 4, you can still give ibuprofen now, especially if your little one is achey and fretful. Just be vigilant ( and write down, exactly what you gave and when). It's easy to get in a muddle. A warm flannel on the face is nice ( not cool, warm).
Fluids, any, small but often, lollies are soothing and often more palatable than water. Don't worry about food, unless she asks for it.

If you call 111, they will triage her and if required get you a short notice appointment with a paediatrician/out of hours GP surgery - and bump you to the front of the queue if required; they really are helpful and supportive - it's a great service - if they don't think there's a near-term issue, they will tell you what to look out for and when to worry - better than mumsnet or the internet..

Definitely use ibuprofen too, I tend to space them out and make sure you can give at least 1 dose at bedtime
I think ibuprofen is 3 doses a day so just check if you’re not used to using it
if both combined don’t bring the temp down I’d definitely be seeking some medical advice

That is very high. If calpol hasn’t bought it down at all I’d be ringing 111.

You can give them both together but it is usually best to alternate them and then they are never that far away from the next dose of something. Helps to keep on top of things. Also some children don't seem to respond as well to Calpol and need the ibuprofen more - my DD was like that.

The free Fever Friend app is brilliant for this. You put in lots of info lile temperature, breathing rate etc and it advises what to do off the back of it.

Give her some ibuprofen and stretch the paracetamol to 6 hourly as you’ll run out of doses.

This is exactly what 111 is for. Don't waste time with children.

Flu is rife at the moment and it sounds as if she could have that and it is brutal DS had 8 days off with it

Ibuprofen at 6am, lunch time and Bedtime, with paracetamol being given every 6 hours too outside of those times. Keep a nice routine going so there’s always something in her system to keep her comfortable.

39.4 is a high temperature though so if the paracetamol/ibuprofen isn’t bringing it down, or it’s not making any difference to how unwell your daughter is feeling then I would be calling 111.

And obviously refresh your knowledge on what signs/symptoms would require an urgent medical review (i.e 999).

How's her temperature now @BarbaraVineFan ?

Thanks for asking @Oneearringlost. She is sleeping now and her temperature has definitely responded to the ibuprofen I gave her at bedtime :)

I'm so pleased to hear that. X